HOW TO START A FOOD PANTRY & FAQs

Food Pantries are key to our mission to eliminate hunger in

San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties.

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for someone else." - Benjamin Franklin

Due to a decrease in donations, we are not accepting new agencies at this time. However, you may fill out and submit the "New Agency Inquiry" form. Forms will be evaluated based on the severity of need in your community. We will contact your organization if we need further information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's):

Does my organization qualify to be an agency with Second Harvest Food Bank?

Each agency must be an approved 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization within San Joaquin or Stanislaus Counties, with Articles of Incorporation stating a purpose related to the care of the elderly, ill, needy, infants and/or minors. All agencies are required to meet and adhere to the qualifications stipulated in the Agency Agreement portion of Agency Application.  

How long does the application process take?

The whole process can take 6-8 weeks depending on the time of year. Once you have submitted your application, you will hear from us within 4-5 weeks to schedule your monitor appointment. We will not schedule a monitor appointment until your application is complete.  Pending a successful monitor visit, your membership with Second Harvest Food Bank will be activated.  We will then schedule your first appointment to acquire food and guide you through the warehouse rules and procedures.

(Please note: We do not usually process any applications in November and December because those are our busiest months.)

How does a food pantry work?

Our non-profit organizations attain food from Second Harvest Food Bank and store the food in a designated space that has been monitored and approved by a Second Harvest Food Bank Representative. Individuals who are in need of food assistance visit the pantries during selected times and are given pre-packed bags of supplemental grocery items.

Are there any reporting requirements?

Every agency is required to submit monthly reports detailing income levels, age, ethnicity, etc for each individual served. You must submit this report on or before the 10th of each month for the previous month’s food distribution. You will recieve intake forms for each individual served and monthly reporting forms at the time of your monitor appointment.

These reports allow us to provide accurate information to Feeding America detailing the people served; are a necessary part of the grant writing process; and are also compiled into statistical information for our cities, counties and state.

What costs are involved with being an agency of Second Harvest Food Bank?

There is a $25 processing fee for new agency applicants. Once your organization has become an active agency with Second Harvest Food Bank, you will acquire product at our warehouse located in Manteca, California. Your organization will pay a required handling fee each time product is aquired. The handling fee differs for each item, but will never be more than .19 cents per pound for donated product.

What are my benefits as an agency?

Becoming an agency with Second Harvest Food Bank enables your organization to gain access to a variety of food items at a fraction of the cost. This in turn allows your organization to effectively and efficiently support the needs of the community.

How much food does a pantry typically distribute?

The ideal monthly distribution is 38 pounds of food per adult, and 20 pounds per child. These standards have been determined by Feeding America to help meet the needs of individuals and families who suffer from food insecurity.

How are food pantries funded?

Pantries are primarily funded by donations from their organization’s supporters, or their faith based congregation.

What kind of space and equipment is needed?

You will need a permanent space to store and distribute all Second Harvest Food Bank Product. The following supplies are also helpful: refrigerator and/or freezer, shelving, tables, desk, contact phone with message machine, handcart, box cutters, grocery bags and pantry signage.

(Please Note: If your agency does not have a refrigerator and/or freezer, your agency will not be authorized to shop for items that require refrigerator and/or freezer storage)

For more detailed information on requirements, please visit our Agency Forms page by clicking the link below and download the “Monitoring Requirements” form.

AGENCY FORMS PAGE

Where does Second Harvest Food Bank receive food?

National and local manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, brokers and food distributors donate food and related products to Second Harvest Food Bank. These products including packaged, canned, perishable, and non-perishable foods meet all food safety and nutrition standards.

In addition, Second Harvest Food Bank also purchases staple foods such as beans, rice, proteins, dairy, produce, and many other items.

What kind of food is available?

Most of our product is donated, so we have an ever changing stock of available items.  We are usually stocked with dry, canned, and frozen items, fresh produce and brand name items. On occasion we also have miscellaneous non-food products including diapers, cleaning products and paper goods.

Who do I call if I have more questions?

Please feel free to call the Second Harvest Food Bank office with any questions you may have.  Please ask for our Agency & Program Coordinator, 209-239-2091.